LIONSTAGE HISTORY

LIONSTAGE is an independent music agency and production house based in Wrocław, operating continuously since the mid-1990s. We began at a time when concert promotion meant photocopied posters and handwritten guest lists, while the alternative scene was only just finding its place in Wrocław clubs such as Amsterdam, Podium, Samo Życie, Rockers and Pałacyk. Today, we work simultaneously on major festivals, concert tours, arena productions and intimate corporate events across Poland and Europe. They all have one thing in common: music, which has been at the heart of everything we do from the very beginning.

 

Our story began with Lion Stage Management, founded by Tomasz Lektarski in 1996. From day one, we focused on alternative music, electronic music, jazz and reggae, consistently contributing to the development of the Wrocław scene. We organised concerts and event series that helped shape the city’s musical identity, and over time began bringing artists from around the world to Wrocław. It has been an evolution from small clubs to sold-out arenas and international tours—while retaining exactly the same approach: hard work, clear communication and a strong commitment to the ethics of the music industry.

 

In 2003, together with Paweł Piotrowicz, we co-created Scena Sajkofag, a project dedicated to recalling and celebrating Wrocław’s alternative music scene of the 1980s. The stage hosted artists including Lech Janerka, Martyna Jakubowicz, Robert Brylewski and Voo Voo, while we gained experience working with figures who represent the living history of Polish music. At the same time, until 2009, we ran the Reggae Picnics in Chocianów—outdoor events that, for many years, were an important destination for fans of reggae culture and sound system music.

 

In 2004, the first edition of One Love Sound Fest took place at the now-defunct WZ Club on Wolności Square. The event quickly outgrew its club setting, moving to increasingly larger venues and eventually to Centennial Hall. This made One Love the largest indoor reggae festival in Europe. Its stage welcomed stars of global reggae, dancehall and roots music, and for one night each year, Wrocław was transformed into a huge, positive sound system arena.

 

Since 2008, we have also co-organised the Ethno Jazz Festival, one of Poland’s most distinctive jazz and world music festivals. At our invitation, Wrocław has hosted performances by Al Di Meola, Bobby McFerrin, the Jan Garbarek Group featuring Trilok Gurtu, Lizz Wright, Nigel Kennedy, Asaf Avidan, Basia Trzetrzelewska, Yasmin Levy, Shabaka and the Ancestors, Nouvelle Vague, The Bulgarian Voices Angelite, and *The Music of Hans Zimmer*, performed by Ensemble La Chapelle Sauvage.

 

Wrocław’s musical landscape is further enriched by projects we co-created, such as Wrocławski Sound—now known as WroSound—and numerous concert series presented across the city, from Stary Klasztor to major concert halls and arenas. Festivals are our laboratory: a space in which we test new programming, production and promotional solutions, then apply them to collaborations with artists, brands and institutions.

 

Over the years, we have had the opportunity to support many artists from Poland and abroad, both on and off stage. Through our booking and production activities, we have collaborated on concerts and projects involving performers such as Sinéad O’Connor, Erykah Badu, Manu Chao and Damian Marley. In Poland, we have worked extensively with Jamal, Mesajah, Illusion and a broad range of artists for whom we have organised concert tours, one-off events and special projects.

 

Through our management and artist representation activities, LIONSTAGE works with artists including Maria Sadowska, DAGADANA, Big Day, Dr Misio, Arek Jakubik and NO LOGO. We support them in tour planning, negotiations, concert production and communication with promoters. At the same time, we co-organise and produce concerts as part of the Ethno Jazz Festival and other series featuring artists such as Jan Garbarek, Trilok Gurtu, Lizz Wright, Basia Trzetrzelewska, Nigel Kennedy, Nneka, Tanita Tikaram and Yasmin Levy.

 

For years, we have also been a partner to companies, institutions and event organisers seeking an experienced and dependable music operator. We collaborate with concert halls—including Centennial Hall and the Wrocław Congress Center—clubs, cultural centres, promoters and local organisers throughout Europe. For some clients, we develop complete event concepts, from artist selection and production through to communication and post-production. For others, we act as a trusted booking partner, ensuring artists reach the stage smoothly, professionally and safely.

 

One of the key moments in LIONSTAGE’s history was the beginning of our cooperation with the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity Foundation (WOŚP). In 2014, following a decision by Jerzy Owsiak, we became responsible for the technical and logistical production of the Wrocław WOŚP Finals—from stage and sound production to technical infrastructure and the coordination of activities in the city’s public spaces. Over time, our role developed into a fully integrated 360° model, combining production, logistics, promotion and cooperation with media and local-government partners.

 

Today, LIONSTAGE operates across three main pillars: international artist booking, management of Polish artists and bands, and concert production together with comprehensive event delivery. We work with festival organisers, cultural centres and institutions, as well as commercial brands wishing to build their communication around music. Our services span the entire process—from programming consultation and artist contracting to technical production and on-site event coordination.

 

Our headquarters are located in the heart of Wrocław, where we plan festivals, concert tours and forthcoming projects.

 

From Wrocław, our productions travel to cities across Poland. Thanks to a network of contacts built over many years—including through the operation of our Edinburgh branch—we maintain close relationships with international agencies and promoters. We remain an independent concert and booking agency: agile like a small team, with the experience and operational capacity of a large-scale producer.

 

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